After Vodafone, Airtel slashes 2G data tariffs by 90%
Airtel hopes price cut will help boost the usage of mobile internet in rural and urban areas.
Shortly after Vodafone announced an 80 percent cut in 2G data tariffs, Airtel has also announced a massive 90 percent cut in 2G data tariffs for prepaid customers in Haryana and Punjab circles.
Airtel says the Volume Based Charges (VBC) on its recharge vouchers for 2G data usage of three denominations have been cut to 1p per 10KB from 10p per 10KB. Moreover, recharge vouchers of Rs. 22, Rs. 25 and Rs. 125 include a free 125MB data for 5 days, 15MB for seven days and 1GB for 28 days respectively.
The validity of Rs. 22 and Rs. 25 vouchers has been increased to 30 days whereas Rs. 125 recharge now gives 90 days of validity.
Airtel says in a release: “Looking at the increasing number of mobile internet users in both urban and rural areas, the reduction in rates is further going to boost the usage of mobile internet.”
Earlier, Vodafone had announced reducing 2G data tariffs – a move that was expected to trigger a price war in the 2G segment. As per the new tariffs, Vodafone will be charging 2p/10KB, down from the previous 10p/10KB.
“The overall internet penetration in India is low while the mobile penetration is several times higher. Most consumers will discover the power of the internet via the mobile. We want to accelerate mobile internet adoption through penetration, consumption and value addition,” Vivek Mathur, chief commercial officer, Vodafone India had said.
Other telecom operators such as Aircel, Tata Teleservices and Reliance may soon join the competition. The ongoing price war is ultimately going to benefit the customers, who will soon have more options for cheaper Internet plans.
Source: TOI